Does The Price Of Your Air Filter Matter?

We all have HVAC systems to thank for keeping us comfortable all year, whether it's cooling us off in the summer or warming us up in the winter. But like all mechanical systems, HVACs require regular maintenance to function correctly, including regularly replacing your air filters.

First, let's discuss what air filters do. Air filters capture dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that can wreak havoc on your HVAC system - and your lungs. A dirty air filter will make your HVAC system work harder to do its job, potentially shortening the unit's lifespan by years. In addition, dirty filters can contribute to higher energy bills, as your system has to work harder to achieve the desired temperature.

So, it's essential to replace your air filters regularly. But does the price of the air filter matter?

Cheap Air Filters Vs. Expensive Ones

It's easy to understand why cheap air filters are tempting. Why spend more hard-earned cash on an air filter than you need to, right? But the saying "you will get what you pay for" is often true - and that's certainly the case regarding air filters.

Cheap air filters get made with fiberglass or other low-quality materials that don't do a great job of capturing particles. They also tend to be thinner than expensive filters, so they don't last as long. So, in the long run, you'll probably spend more on cheap air filters than you would have if you'd just invested in a higher-quality product.

On the other hand, more expensive air filters feature higher-quality materials that do a better job trapping particles, including dust, pollen, dander, and volatile organic compounds that degrade indoor air quality.

More expensive filters are thicker and can catch finer particles, making them more effective. So, over time, the benefits you reap from a higher-quality air filter are worth the extra cost.

What's The Best Air Filter For Your HVAC System?

So, what's the bottom line? Should you buy the cheapest air filter, you can find or the most expensive one?

The answer, unfortunately, is that it depends. The manufacturer will recommend the best air filter for your HVAC system. They know their products better than anyone and can tell you which type of air filter will work best with your specific system.

Of course, you don't have to spend a fortune on an air filter. Just make sure you're buying one that's the right size and features high-quality materials. Signing up for an air filter replacement program can help to keep your maintenance schedule on track.

If you could use help determining which air filter is best for your Texas home, contact the experts at AC Works 365 for all your HVAC and air filter needs.